Can I go gorilla trekking in 2023 – 2024? – Plan your gorilla trekking safari to Uganda with guaranteed Gorilla permits
Can I go gorilla trekking in 2023 – 2043? – Mountain Gorilla trekking adventure is the best-done activity in Uganda that attracts big numbers of tourists. Mountain Gorilla trekking involves walking on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated Mountain Gorillas and once found you will spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Mountain Gorilla is done in different destinations of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda 2023 – 2024
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the south-western part of Uganda and it’s the most visited Gorilla destination because it harbors the highest number of Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a home of 21 habituated Gorilla families which are found in four regions namely Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another Gorilla destination in Uganda located in the south-western region in Kisoro district. This National Park is a home of one habituated Gorilla family Nyakagezi which is available for trekking daily.
Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda
Mountain Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will be divided into small groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated Gorilla family to trek and a park ranger guide who is well conversant with Gorilla trekking trails.
Gorilla trekking takes 30 minutes to half a day depending on where they are located. During trekking, you will be able to view different primate species, bird species, and plant species among others. Once the Mountain Gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which allows you to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home after the Uganda Safari.
2023 – 2024 Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost
A Gorilla trekking permit is a legal document that is issued to any visitor above the age of 15 years by the Uganda Wildlife Authority allowing him or her to visit any habituated Gorilla family in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD700 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, USD600 per person per trek for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book a Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting their head offices in Kampala via telephone calls or email. Gorilla permits can also be booked through a trusted tour company like Great Adventure Safaris. When booking through a tour company you will contact us with the dates and destination you wish to visit. After contacting us we will check for Gorilla permit availability and if there are available, you will be asked to deposit the Gorilla permits. Once the payment has been made, we will purchase the permits on your behalf.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date as they are competitive and get sold out quickly, especially during the picking season in June to September and December to February. Therefore to avoid last-minute disappointments you are advised to book in advance.
Best time for Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the National Parks therefore access roads to the park and Gorilla trekking trails will be dry and accessible compared to the dry season when the trails are wet, muddy, and slippery which make trekking difficult.
What to pack for your Gorilla trekking safari
There are several items to carry for your Gorilla Safari in Uganda including hiking shoes to keep your feet dry, garden gloves to protect your hands from scratches, a long-sleeved shirt, and trousers to keep you warm, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, camera, a pair of binoculars, energy snacks, backpack among others.
